Offsite backup setup for SBS 2003

[shandysolutions]

Hey all,

I have a client running on an older SBS 2003 (Small Business Server) file server and I'm taking over their remote/offsite backup service after the first of the year and I'm trying to decide which configuration to go with.

I have a Lenovo ix4-300D NAS at my office running on RAID 10 w/ 8TB of redundant storage available (4x4TB HDD) and I'm going to be storing their nightly backup on it. The Internet at my office is very good so bandwidth isn't an issue.

The thing is, this client is a dental office and the backup data is pretty substantial. I'm trying to find the ideal way to have an automated system that backs up only the new/changed files from the day after I after do the initial backup onsite. The whole backup is over 60GB but they're only uploading from 80-200mb/day to their current backup provider since it only sync the changes.

I would GREATLY appreciate some insight on this. I've considered using FTP and going that way but surely there is a better solution than that that I'm just overlooking.

Thanks in advance guys!

 

[ss202sl]

I would set up local backup system in their office first. Use some real backup software (similar to Backup Exec or Netbackup) to a local (external) drive(even a USB drive would work here). Take a weekly(or monthly) full, and then do nightly differentials. Then you can copy any new backup files off-site to your nas in your office. This would allow you to do remote restores from their local backup, and provide them an off-site copy of the backups. You could do a new full backup every Friday night, and then copy the files(over the week-end) offsite.

 

[shandysolutions]

I've got them on RAID 10 with a hot spare in their office already so the local backup situation is pretty tight IMO. What software do you recommend using for doing the offsite differential backups? This NAS of mine has a "Personal cloud" feature that allows me to map the drive across WAN and/or I could always use a DDNS of course.

 

[ss202sl]

I have used Backup Exec(Symantec) in the past, but I think it has been melded into Netbackup. I haven't done backups in several years - someone else does them.

 

[shandysolutions]

Ya, that's sort of how I've operated for awhile but it just doesn't make sense for me to sub it out anymore, especially considering the fact that I've got so much secure storage in house and can easily buy an entirely new data server in 5-6 months of backing up this one client alone. I've got another 6 lined up to start in the next month or so so I'm really needing a reliable platform to start on.

 

[ss202sl]

Look into DataDomain. They have a NAS designed specifically for backup, and includes to ability to replicate 1 datadomain to another so you could set one up at a clients office, and have it replicate offsite to a larger on in your office. I don't know about handling multiple accounts(replicating several clients to one in your office), but I.m sure they can handle it. I'm not sure of the cost so it may be out of your budget, but it might be something to look at.

 

[popatim]

I would replicate the current plan as close as possible which either a local copy which is ftp'd off nightly or directly to the remote location using the built-in backup.

edit - I would do the intitial full backup locally if you could. While your download bandwidth might be good, their upload is probably awful. LoL

 

[shandysolutions]

I would replicate the current plan as close as possible which either a local copy which is ftp'd off nightly or directly to the remote location using the built-in backup.

I guess one of my biggest questions is what the best way to generate only differential nightly backups is. I'll probably end up using either direct FTP or third party software to do the actual transfer, but I'm not sure how to automatically back up then upload only the changes/additions from the day. I hope I'm explaining that correctly lol.

The first backup I'm going to make is going to be around 60-80GB so obviously uploading a new cloned drive image or entire directories each night isn't practical. Their onsite system currently backs up using the built in SBS 2003 utility which stores the huge image on both an internal HDD that's independent from the RAID and a 1TB external so in my professional opinion, they are set locally.

I've looked at Acronis for creating the nightly backups but it's expensive and I'm not all that certain it would work exactly like I'm needing.

As a sign of good faith, I will give a $20 gift card to any restaurant of choice to whoever can come up with a total solution idea for me, including what software to use and specific advice on how to best administer the process. I sincerely appreciate everyone who has responded so far and genuinely consider this forum as an excellent consultant to my business so why not offer a little compensation?